Stories for May 2001

Thursday, May 31

Trees and shrubs can improve a home's appearance, increase its value, and provide shade and privacy. Proper plant selection, soil preparation, and planting technique will protect these important investments.

Author Diane White-Crane expands on guide she wrote nine years ago

While exploring trails for the sequel to Steamboat's best-selling hiking guidebook "Hiking the 'Boat," author Diane White-Crane and her husband encountered several bow hunters, who invited the couple to share a snack with them.

Music duo continues the cowboy poet tradition

Frontier ushers in new era at YVRA

Travelers in Routt and Moffat counties would be wise to watch for airfare sales on Frontier airlines out of Denver International Airport this summer, then consider booking their flight out of Yampa Valley Regional Airport near Hayen. One local travel agent said that strategy may represent consumers' best opportunity to realize an advantage from commuter airline changes at YVRA.

Families of missing airplane passengers remain hopeful

The families of four Nevada men whose small plane disappeared somewhere in Northwest Colorado remained hopeful Thursday the men would be found alive.
"This is killing me," said Lynnette Jones, the wife of Ross Jones, one of the four men on the plane. "Everyone has good thoughts here, and there are a lot of prayers going out.
"We really believe they will find them, and they will be cranky and hungry."

Some residents optimistic

Nancy Cameron has lived in Steamboat Springs long enough 14 years not to be shocked by developments in the ski industry.
"I'm not surprised," Cameron said when she heard that American Skiing Company has decided to sell the Steamboat Ski Area and its related assets.

Debt-ridden American Skiing hopes to find buyer this year

American Skiing Co. has decided to sell the Steamboat Ski Area along with all of its related assets as part of an overall strategy to get the company out from under crippling debt.
Company officials said Wednesday there is no one buyer in line to acquire the ski area. Instead, the marketing of the Steamboat Ski Area has been turned over to an investment banking company, Credit Suisse First Boston. The goal is to consummate a deal by the end of the year.

Tuesday, May 29

Challenge brings 'em together

One of the best things about the Town Challenge Mountain Bike Race Series, said race organizer Gretchen Sehler, is that anyone can enter and it's as much of a social gathering as a competitive race.
The first race in the eight-race series is tonight at Howelsen Hill and features a 1.3-mile circuit course with less than 100 feet of vertical rise. The course cruises by the sulfur caves and Hobo Park and buzzes past the BMX track and the batting cages.

The Partners of Routt County, a mentoring association, ended a month-long search for a new executive director on May 24. Paul Bialek will take over the position, responsible for a three-person staff, as well as a $120,000 annual budget. He will receive a $30,000 salary.
Bialek said he was looking forward to meeting board and staff members.

State urges school officials to continue talks

The north Routt charter school is on its way out of the board room and into the classroom.
Representatives from the charter school, which appealed conditions the Steamboat School Board placed on its recent approval to the state board of education, said Tuesday the state board's decision bodes well for them.

Passenger taken out of intensive care unit

A 20-year-old Hayden man who suffered a serious head injury in a weekend crash was taken out of Denver Health Medical Center's intensive care unit Tuesday afternoon.
Eric Don Bell, who was a passenger in a vehicle that rolled near Clark Saturday, was upgraded to "fair" condition, said Ashley Bjorkman, the hospital's public relations director.

Food festival could be more palatable for children

Parents who go to south Routt County's only food festival at the end of June could have more options to keep their children busy.
This year Taste of South Routt event organizer David Bonfiglio is looking at providing an area where children can play in the water and a booth to pet miniature horses or go on buggy ride pulled by the animals.

Former House candidate gets nod from state Supreme Court justice

Freshman State Rep. Al White, R-Winter Park, is bound to lose some constituents maybe up to 15,000 constituents when a bipartisan commission sits down early in June to begin redrawing the state's legislative districts.
White was elected in November to represent a four-plus county district that includes Routt County and Steamboat Springs.

Sunday, May 27

May is National Foster Care Month

Cynthia Meeks watches as her foster child, Jason, runs around her home laughing and playing.
Meeks considers it a blessing that she was given the opportunity to see Jason grow from an underweight 1-year-old to a thriving and rambunctious toddler a year later.

Seminar teaches canines how to herd

Tony Stewart's ranching job got a little easier when he trained his border collies to do much of the work for him.
Stewart has a ranch in Kansas where he uses his dogs to help manage his 100 head of cattle

Collectible cars have been a part of summer in Steamboat for more than a decade classic Mustangs have crowded the Meadows Parking Lot, the courthouse lawn has been carpeted with Porsches and Lincoln Avenue has even played host to a row of Lotuses.

Five Sailors make Western Slope All-Conference Team

Howelsen's alpine slide opens for business

A moderate amount of howling was heard over the weekend as the Steamboat Springs Alpine Slide opened for business Saturday for its first full season.
The slide, named "The Howler," saw an estimated 200 to 300 patrons Saturday, and similar numbers were expected Sunday and today, said slide attendant Laura Bruns.

Event to raise money for fairground improvements

The Routt County Fair Board Association and the Steamboat Ski and Resort Corp. is planning a four-day carnival in Steamboat Springs to raise money for an indoor arena at the Routt County Fairgrounds.
From June 7-10, the association and ski corp. have planned for Brown's Amusement Inc. to operate a carnival in the Meadow's parking lot at Pine Grove and Mount Werner roads in Steamboat Springs.

Joe Robbins watched Jenny Castner chase Adam Tilley, as they sprayed their hoses everywhere but his car, which they were supposed to be cleaning. During a sunny moment on Memorial Day afternoon, however, he didn't seem to mind.

f you're technologically ignorant like me, you'll want to read closely.
Buying a new computer or updating the one you have can lead you down the road to debt. Or it can leave you reading things you don't understand and buying things you really don't need.

Council's move allows more space for other city operations

Now that the Steamboat Springs City Council has moved to Centennial Hall, the Public Safety Building is being refurbished to provide additional space for police and fire operations.
Last week, work started on transforming the former City Council chambers in the Public Safety Building into four offices and a large meeting room.

Memorial Day ceremony honors sacrifice, tradition

As veterans gathered on a hill to commemorate fallen American soldiers at Monday's Memorial Day observance at the Steamboat cemetery, their thoughts turned to hills they left behind in places like North Africa, Normandy and Vietnam.

In a season where the Sailors won a league title before reaching the state quarterfinals, six team members were recently awarded all-conference honors.
Nikki Garth, Cassidy Kurtz, Liz Masterson and Lia Utu were named to the first team, while teammates Julie Wernig and Jessica Fritz were given honorable mention recognition.

As graduation quickly approaches for the 153 seniors at Steamboat Springs High School, teachers, counselors and administrators are preparing to say farewell to the Class of 2001, the largest class in the history of the school.

Music, sporting events draw tourists to Steamboat

Veteran concert promoter John Waldman hopes a popular band with the unlikely name of "The String Cheese Incident" will prove to be a significant part of the summer tourism picture in Steamboat Springs.

Can affordable housing survive impact fees?

With affordable housing a constant issue in Steamboat Springs and impact fees looking more like a reality, can the two concepts live together? We asked Rob Dick, executive director of the Regional Affordable Living Foundation, for his thoughts on what could be perceived as a clash of priorities.

Family constantly reminded of the true meaning of Memorial Day

Eighty-year-old Chester Backes remembers when Memorial Day wasn't just another day off from work.
"We were always in full uniform and I carried my rifle," Backes, a World War II veteran, said from his Milner home.
"We'd walk out of the VFW and march, and fire off a bunch of rounds to honor the dead veterans."

1916-2001

1906-2001

Whether it was the traditional cap and gown that Soroco High School graduating seniors were wearing or a choose-your-own-attire at the Lowell Whiteman School graduation which included top hats, shorts with sport jackets and ties, as well as evening gowns the young men and women who graduated at the two schools Saturday were embarking on the rest of their lives.

Oak Creek teens say there is nothing to do

When Joni Blankenship realized that teen-agers in Oak Creek who want to play a game of pool or pinball have to resort to going to a local bar, she decided the community needed a youth center.
"When you're a teen-ager and you live in a small town, it's just hard to find things to keep you busy," she said.

As graduation day fast approaches, and I realize that these are the final days I will be walking through the doors of SSHS as a student, I find myself fondly reminiscing with my fellow classmates about the past four years we have spent in the soap opera world we call Steamboat Springs High School.

Rocky Mountain Youth Corps offers students challenges in the great outdoors

"Look at this office," Rocky Mountain Youth Corps Program Coordinator Avrom Feinberg announced above the talk of about 10 people. They were sitting in a circle, each wearing matching maroon shirts, under a tree off the Tombstone Trail at Steamboat Lake State Park picking at sack lunches.

If you want to eat lean and clean, you've got to learn how to order in restaurants especially fast-food places like Arby's, Burger King and Jack in the Box, where the portions are big and the fat grams overwhelming.

Friday, May 25

Police promise to crack down on those who don't buckle up

During this holiday weekend, Steamboat Springs Police officers will have zero tolerance for drivers or passengers who are not buckled up.
"If you or your kids do not have a seat belt on, you will get a ticket," said Steamboat Springs Assistant Police Chief Art Fiebing.

The Oak Creek Board of Trustees has voted to offer a Florida man the town's police chief position
Board members interviewed Thomas Ling who recently moved to Steamboat Springs following a stint as the chief of police in Oak Hill, Fla. on Tuesday and voted to offer him the position in a meeting Thursday.

Bike tour promises to be educational, aerobic

A 10-mile bike ride today will offer residents the chance to get a little exercise and learn a little history at the same time.
The city and the Historic Preservation Advisory Commission are sponsoring the free 10-mile bike tour of the city's historical spots beginning at 10 a.m. at Howelsen Hill. With frequent stops in Old Town Steamboat Springs and a ride to the city's Legacy Ranch at the corner of County Road 131 and U.S. 40, the tour will give participants a genuine workout while they engage in a narrated tour of Steamboat's storied past.

The Steamboat Springs Rotary Club honored Ben Beall as its March student of the month.
Ben is a senior at Steamboat Springs High School where he is treasurer of the Student Council, president of the National Honor Society, and co-chairperson of the Assets Committee.

Strawberry Elementary school students get a chance to hop, pull and kick

There was desperation on 6-year-old Jace Worden's face as he ran on the grass outside Strawberry Park Elementary School. He made a final leap out of his pursuers' range and collapsed, laughing, into a crowd of his classmates.
Students got the chance to hop, pull and kick their way through Thursday and Friday's Field Day activities. Kindergartners to second-graders had a half-day Field Day on Thursday, followed by a full day's worth of activities for third- to fifth-graders Friday.

The date is crystal clear in Matt Hayne's mind: Sept. 29, 2000. He had just been diagnosed with a form of cancer called Burkett's Lymphoma.
"The shock left me kind of speechless," said the Soroco High School senior. "I never really thought of anything much past that."

The long-vacant Ski Town Inn and Suites on U.S. 40 could have a new owner by the end of the month.
A spokesman for Vectra Bank Denver, owner of the hotel, confirmed Thursday that the 68-suite hotel is under contract, and scheduled to close very soon. Dave Pellegrino, a special assets manager for Vectra Bank declined to name the buyer or whether the buyer intends to reopen the hotel for the summer resort season.

Perennials on the patio

You really want a garden but don't have a yard in which to plant one? Not to worry. If you have a balcony, rooftop or patio any sort of outdoor space that gets pretty good sunshine you can have a garden.

More than 600 officers and troopers will be assigned to watch for drunken drivers across the state during Memorial Day weekend, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation.
Travelers are likely to encounter sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols officers and troopers with a main focus on drunk drivers on their way to Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder and several other locations.

Events scheduled to honor Routt County's war veterans

Although there isn't an annual parade or party to honor the deceased patriots in Routt County, a dedicated ceremony and distribution of red poppies will send a slightly patriotic tone to the observed holiday.

Two men hoisted a gigantic golden frame, the word "Budweiser" elegantly spelled inside, on the wall of what will be Lupo's Extreme Sports Bar and Grill.
"No, no, no," said Chad Gagliano, co-owner of Level'z and Lupo's.
"That's where the video games are going to go."

An independent investigation of former deputy district Attorney Charles Feldmann's use of an expense fund has begun.
Fifth Judicial District Attorney Michael Goodbee has assigned his chief investigator, Jerry Sandberg, to look into how the expense fund was used between October and May 14, the date of Feldmann's resignation.

Family of fallen classmate provides 22 scholarships

The Hayden High School class of 2001, whose 33 members said they are as close as a family, celebrated graduation Thursday night during an emotional ceremony.
During the nearly two-hour event in the school's gymnasium, there were laughs, high-fives and tears.

Wednesday, May 23

Helping hands pitch in for community

It isn't every day that one can find bankers washing windows or golf pros hauling boulders and digging their fingers into dirt. Of course, Wednesday wasn't every day: it was the Day of Caring, a day when local businesses and other volunteers chip in to brighten up the community.
Organized by Routt County United Way, which acts as the umbrella organization for a number of social service agencies, the Day of Caring kicked off Wednesday morning with about 280 volunteers throughout the county pitching in.

Ghost stories bring amusement to commission audience

In considering the latest old home to be named to the Routt County Register of Historic Properties, county commissioners asked the current owner of the old Norvell home about possible ghosts in her house.

Sailors were bounced out of playoffs in close match

It was a matchup nearly all of the coaches had predicted.
The Mullen Mustangs, who were seeded No. 1 in the Class 4A girls soccer playoffs, met the No. 2-seeded Lewis-Palmer Rangers for the state championship Tuesday.

Hayden, Soroco continue CSAP improvement

Hayden and Yampa school district officials said that staff work and well-designed literacy programs were responsible for the highest third-grade Colorado Student Assessment Program reading scores the districts have ever seen.

A change in prosecutors has delayed a criminal case involving a 26-year-old German man who allegedly bought $4,000 worth of food when his food stamp debit card was mistakenly credited with more than $10,000.

Principal Cherryl Sage's first tumultuous year at the helm of Soda Creek Elementary School will also be her last.
Sage announced her decision to resign at the end of this school year to District Superintendent Cyndy Simms Wednesday morning, Simms said. Simms, without Sage present, then gave the news to the elementary school staff at their regular 3:30 p.m. Wednesday staff meeting.

Tuesday, May 22

Double sweet.
That's how Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club coach Mike Mallon describes the U.S. Skiing and Snowboarding Association's annual spring meetings that were held in Park City, Utah, last week.

Selling flowers generates more than $52,000 for schools

When Loretta Hammerslag first began selling potted plants out of her garage as a fund-raiser for Strawberry Park Elementary School in 1998, she generated close to $500. On May 17, she watched as hundreds of people flocked to the Steamboat Springs Middle School parking lot to pick up flower orders amounting to more than $52,000.

Hopes and dreams have been dashed for a lot of people who entered that essay contest trying to win a home in Steamboat Springs.
Homeowner Mike O'Carroll said there weren't enough entries to make it worthwhile. O'Carroll was looking for 2,200 people to send essays along with a $200 fee. That would equal a market value of $440,000.

Event for walkers, runners and bikers set for Saturday

For some, it may be like trying to find your way out of a wet paper bag.
The 2001 Hot Springs Short Cut Race, which will be held Saturday, is all about finding the quickest route to the Strawberry Park Hot Springs.

Forum regarding new justice facility doesn't receive much public attention

Not even the promise of ice cream did enough to rouse the public to the county's first big public presentation on a new courthouse. Of the 35 people who showed up for last night's meeting, more than half were county officials or belonged to the committee steering the project.

Monday, May 21

Two out of three isn't too bad.
At least that's how Soroco Ram coach Kate Hayne is looking at her team's finish in the 2001 state track meet which was held at Pueblo's Dutch Clark Stadium last weekend.

One of the things that Tiger track coach Kevin Kleckler has learned over the years is that the world of sports is filled with ups and downs.
Last weekend in Pueblo the members of the Hayden track team got a little taste of both. It was an experience Kleckler is sure will make the team stronger in the future.

Forty to 50 families gathered in a line outside the Parks and Recreation Office to sign up their children for summer camp nearly two weeks ago.
"We always have a line, but this was the biggest line I've seen in years," said Jennifer Rose, youth program coordinator for the City of Steamboat Springs Recreation Department.

Think of it as a dating service for foundations with money to grant and nonprofit agencies that would like to come courting.
Small communities from this part of the state will have a chance to present themselves to some of Colorado's leading philanthropic organizations when the cities of Craig and Steamboat Springs host Northwest Colorado Philanthropy Days Sept. 20 and 21.

Centennial Hall 'campus' envisioned

Although the employees at City Hall and Centennial Hall are keeping the city's wheels turning, a portion of the street in front of the buildings will be closed to traffic for the next month.
In compliance with the development permit issued for Centennial Hall, the city is reconstructing the area of 10th Street in front of Centennial Hall and City Hall.

The county commissioners' meeting on a controversial gravel pit located south of Milner has been tabled to allow the petitioners and the public to read a new report. The report deals with how groundwater and cottonwoods will be affected on the site.
The report came in too late to be properly analyzed before tonight's scheduled hearing.

City adopts new rules to keep track of single-family homes

Before a rapt audience, City Council decided Monday night to allow short-term vacation home rentals throughout the city, while adding some restrictions on the long-accepted practice.
After discussing the intricacies of what was likely the most eagerly-anticipated item in the city's new Community Development Code, council voted 4 to 2 to adopt the planning department's recommended motion with a few changes. Councilmen Ken Brenner and Jim Engelken objected to the motion, in part because it did not prohibit the practice in certain areas of the city.

City Hall becomes a little less cramped

When the city planning department moved into its new digs at Centennial Hall last winter, it left behind several other departments who now have hopes of spreading out cramped office cubicles, and maybe even getting a dry roof over their heads.

Officials of Intrawest Corp. said this week that the Steamboat Ski Area is "on their radar screen," but they have moved beyond their company's phase of aggressive acquisition and will focus $400 million of available cash flow on building commercial properties in their resort villages and retiring debt.

After lunch Tuesday, four fourth graders ducked into a small barn on Scott and Tricia Flowers' ranch, just southwest of Steamboat Springs, and giddily bounced through the building, which was home to chickens and turkeys.

Former city hall's future could contain retail and office space

Chris Diamond stood up in front of Steamboat Springs City Council and the Chamber Executive Board this week and hiked his sweater vest up to his chin to reveal a golf shirt bearing the logo of American Airlines.

Maria del Angel is a bilingual single mother with three children, Zavia, age 15, Roberto, age 13, and Alan, age 4. Del Angel, her three children and her brother currently live in a one bedroom apartment in a tough neighborhood in the heart of the Denver metro area, where the crime is so bad the kids cannot even play outside.

Gardening isn't an aerobic activity, but it's a productive and satisfying way to cultivate some new, good health habits. While it isn't a traditional "sport," it can be quite a challenge to your body, involving every muscle and joint.

1918-2001

1913-2001

1909-2001

Do nightly rentals pose problems

The issue of vacation home rentals in Steamboat Springs has been a hot topic recently as the city continues work on its new Community Development Code. The city has discussed the regulation of these rentals, which are perhaps more commonly known as nighly rentals. We asked Evlyn Berge, owner of Special Places and a member of the Community Preservation Alliance, for her take on vacation home rentals in Steamboat Springs.

According to graduating seniors and teachers, small class size and a sense of family unity creates an ease of learning in private schools.
Ryan Kiely, graduating senior at Christian Heritage, said these aspects and the Christian influence have made for a difficult decision in leaving Steamboat and his friends.

South Routt's Mark Littman may be gone, by he's far from forgotten

It may be a little known fact, but when Mark Littman met his wife, Karrie, they were both living in Denver, doing the 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. shifts and wearing business suits.
Mark Littman, a well-known south Routt local who died May 6 while scuba diving in Florida, was known for his love of the outdoors in particular, skiing, hunting and fishing. And Karrie, she was known to be where Mark was and doing the same thing.
In Oak Creek, the Littmans were known as the owners of Big Tuna's, which Karrie is still running.

City Council passes first reading of 'impact fee' ordinance for new construction

On a hike, a snowmobile ride, a ski or a snowshoe through the vast stretches of land in Routt County, there always will come a time when something appears and it's hard to tell what it is or why it happened.

So how much is in your wallet?

The Yampa Valley is known for its pristine places that simply take one's breath away.
This isn't one of them.
Its outside face is certainly dignified, but on the inside, it is over-crowded and causes discontent for those people who must spend their days there. The hallway is cramped, causing ripples of movement whenever anyone has to sidle down that pathway.
Welcome to the Routt County Courthouse.

Friday, May 18

Safety window for controlled fires closes

The window of time in which local U.S. Forest Service officials have said it is safe to do controlled burns has closed, meaning no more prescribed fires will happen in the Routt National Forest until fall.

West End Village, Sagewood Subdivision 2 new options

In a market that's painfully short on affordable housing, Steamboat Springs and Hayden residents could have two new major housing developments under way this summer with lots and homes for sale by next spring.

Thomas Lee Johnson's not guilty plea to first-degree murder Friday afternoon has set the stage for a three-week jury trial set for later this year in Steamboat Springs for now.
The 30-year-old man entered the plea through his attorney, Norm Townsend, during a half-hour court proceeding.

Yampa River project to get under way in June

The Aquatic and Wetland Co. of Boulder visited Centennial Hall Thursday to present residents with information about a new study projected for the Yampa River this summer.
"All communities living on streams and lakes are aware of the problem," Chairman John Windell said of river pollution. "We're seeing (cleanups) all over."

Four Seasons pastry chef has passion for perfection

Walk into the pastry shop in the Four Seasons hotel kitchen, headquarters for some of the county's most decadent desserts, and one question pops immediately to mind:
Why doesn't everyone here weigh 400 pounds?

Four options on the table

Steamboat Springs City Council will hold a special meeting Monday devoted to the topic of short-term rentals of single-family homes, and how they will be regulated in the city's new development code. The entire code is tentatively scheduled for adoption in mid-July.

As the finishing touches are put on the Strings in the Mountains white tent, the management at Strings is making last minute preparations for a summer filled with musicians and music lovers visiting the canvas concert hall at the base of Mt. Werner.

After hearing about an hour of public input, members of the Routt County Regional Planning Commission told representatives of the Yampa Meadows gravel pit project that the site was not right to mine 4.4 million tons of gravel over 30 years.

Wednesday, May 16

City, county discuss plans for new court facility

A new courthouse facility and controversy over helicopters in Routt County dominated Wednesday's joint meeting between the Routt County commissioners and Steamboat Springs City Council.
The City Council got a firsthand look at four site proposals for a new "justice facility" and appeared to favor one that put the new facility on Sixth Street across from the courthouse annex building.

Inmate's attorney couldn't reach plea agreement

With negotiations for a plea agreement at a standstill, a 31-year-old Routt County Jail inmate has been bound over into 14th Judicial District Court on felony charges for allegedly assaulting two officers.

Five-year outlook shows rapid loss of educators

An association's examination into the Steamboat Springs School District's teacher turnover showed apparent displeasure in pay and leadership.
At a school board meeting Tuesday, the Steamboat Springs Education Association, representing about 90 percent of the teaching staff, presented the board with surveyed information from 122 of the 145 teachers.

Tuesday, May 15

County commissioners give tentative approval for race

Road racing may be coming back to Routt County, just two years after the vintage auto and motorcycle races were canceled and moved elsewhere.
But this is road racing like the Yampa Valley has never seen.

Charles Feldmann leaves position at office

Deputy District Attorney Charles Feldmann abruptly resigned from his position within the 14th Judicial District Attorney's Office Monday.
Feldmann's resignation comes on the heels of 14th Judicial District Attorney Paul McLimans' intent to have the Routt County Court appoint an independent prosecutor to investigate an expense fund.

Habitat for Humanity breaks ground on new home

For the past few days, a slender woman with brown hair and tinted glasses could be seen picking up rocks and digging up flowers on a small plot of land just below the Steamboat cemetery.
Nearby are the kind of homes where working couples will watch their children grow and eventually bring back their own children to visit.

Now that the dust has settled from the numerous gravel pit issues that were points of contention in the county during the past several months, one might think things might settle down for the summer. Well, think again.

Monday, May 14

Legacy of school's founder lives on

One of Routt County's leading educators and most dynamic personalities, Lowell Whiteman, died Saturday at his home in Phoenix, Ariz. He was 83.
Whiteman's daughter, Lissa Claussen, said her father died of complications from a long bout with emphysema. His wife, Sonia, was with him when he died.

Chamber plan would fund transportation, capital improvements

The board of the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association will pitch a 1.5 percent sales-tax increase to City Council tonight that would raise approximately $4.3 million annually.
The proposal calls for 65 percent of the new revenues to go to funding both air and ground transportation in the valley. Another 25 percent (a little more than $1 million) would address the city's capital improvement needs and 10 percent would be dedicated to promoting overnight "visitation" or tourism.

Routt County commissioners released some financial statistics on the Yampa Valley Regional Airport that showed neighboring Moffat County has spent more money on the airport than the city of Steamboat Springs.

Custodian could return after probation

Whenever Steamboat Springs runner Rachel Starr steps onto a track she is shooting for a personal-best time.
Last weekend, her personal best earned her first place in the region in the 400-meter run as she edged out Moffat County's Laurel Mortensen for the title with a time of 59.85. Next week she is hoping for another personal best to boost her to a state title in one of three events.

It was business as usual for the members of the Steamboat Springs High School girls soccer team on Monday afternoon.
But for a number of high school teams in the state, business is over. The field was cut in half last week and after Wednesday, only four girls' soccer teams will still have a shot at a state title in the 4A division Steamboat is hoping to be one of them.

The Steamboat Springs school board meeting was postponed until today at 7:30 p.m. at the George. P. Sauer Human Services Center in the board room.
The Steamboat Springs school board has been designating Teacher of the Year awards since 1985 with each school nominating one teacher.
However, this year, only three have been mentioned thus far.

Sunday, May 13

You exercise, you eat right, you take a multivitamin, but do you get enough sleep? If you're like most people, sleep is the first thing you give up when you can't get everything done. According to the National Sleep Foundation, the majority of us are walking around sleep-deprived.

Administrators say proposal needs further study

Steamboat Springs public school administrators told school board members at a study session May 7 that the controversial Late Start program would need further study.
In fact, administrators said they may need a new method altogether for providing teachers with time to work together to improve student achievement.

Rural fire protection districts looking for consistency

Routt County's rural fire districts are looking at adopting some form of the Uniform Fire Code an internationally set standard that would allow them to deal with safety issues sometimes ignored by people building in rural areas.

City Council, planners to discuss review process

After two months of article-by-article reviews of the new Community Development Code, the Steamboat Springs City Council and Planning Commission will compare notes on the development review process tonight.

The Howler set for Memorial Day weekend opening

The hills are alive with the sound of howling, at least they will be Memorial Day weekend May 26-28 when the Steamboat Springs Alpine Slide will open for its first full season.
The slide, commonly known as "The Howler," opened for its inaugural run at Howelsen Hill Aug. 12, 2000. But the operators didn't really get a true feel for how popular the thrill ride could become. Now, expectations are high at the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club and the city of Steamboat Springs Parks and Recreation Department.

Saturday, May 12

Lack of construction seen as slow down

The skiers have all gone home to weed their tulip beds and play golf, leaving Steamboat's resort condominiums empty until June. But the motels on U.S. 40/Lincoln Avenue are still hustling for business.

Lippold and Coddington

Spending Mother's Day with new mothers

Though Amy Dickson was having a conversation while sitting on a couch in her large office at Planned Parenthood Wednesday, the majority of her attention was being paid to someone who doesn't even talk yet.

When science and religion clash in the classroom

Whether the origin of life was created by a natural chemical reaction, God or a divine energy of souls, evolutionary scientists are discovering that creationism and evolution do not have to butt heads any longer.
At the start of Charlie Leech's evolution unit, the Steamboat Springs High School biology teacher gave students options to explore one of evolution's hot topics the origin of life.

While driving up Rabbit Ears Pass to the Hogan Park Trail, you can see most of the terrain is south-facing and no significant amount of snow is visible from the road as you climb up the route.
It's May and it's 70 degrees and balmy in the valley. Well, maybe not balmy.

May is National High Blood Pressure Education Month. Don't expect a parade down your main street, but do consider, for a moment, your own blood pressure, those two numbers that are a general indicator of how healthy your heart is.

CSAPping our talents

This week we learned that Steamboat Springs third-graders are above state par when it comes to reading.
The Colorado Student Assessment Program, mandated for third grade by the state in 1998, tests students on a variety of reading material and their comprehension of that material, which includes letters, poetry, text and stories. The test requires answers in multiple choice format as well as short and long responses.

1945-2001

Getting out of the mud

Mud season can get pretty dreary.
All of your favorite restaurants are closed. The sky will give us sunshine, rain, hail and snow all in one day. And few people have decided to weather the season so the area almost seems deserted.
Fear not! We have asked mud season veterans how they've gotten unstuck and ready for a fabulous summer.

1937-2001

Putting the CSAP to the test

The Colorado Student Assessment Program, like similar test programs throughout the country, has drawn criticisms from residents who aren't sure that the exams don't encourage teachers to narrow the focus of their curriculum to the material on the CSAP. We asked Judy Harris, director of contest standards for the Steamboat Springs School District, for her take on the mandated evaluations of students and schools

The general contractor that built the Steamboat Grand Hotel has filed suit in district court here seeking to have a $5.4 million lien against the hotel owners foreclosed on, and further requesting that the court appoint a receiver to take possession of the property.

Property owners looking to develop or redevelop often object to city requests that they build sidewalks and trails when those paths may not connect to anything. If the sidewalk dead ends at the end of their property line, perhaps leading pedestrians into traffic, to what useful end is the sidewalk?

INFANT

Book lovers check out Toponas Public Library

Tucked away in the mountains of Northwest Colorado lies one of the smallest public library buildings you may never see.
Only a plain wooden sign at the end of a lonely driveway indicates the library exists.
In the winter, neighbors in the desolate rural area can be seen riding their snowmobiles to the ranch where the library sits.

A 33-year-old Fort Carson man pleaded guilty to a felony charge for entering a Clark home last September.
Shawn Jay Moffett pleaded guilty to criminal trespass, a class five felony, for entering a home under construction in the 27500 block of Running Elk Lane in Clark the evening of Sept. 2.

Week of prevention ends, efforts continue

As Suicide Prevention Week comes to an end today, a licensed clinical social worker believes the public is not totally informed about the issue, its causes or the help that is available.
For the past two years, Carol Gordon has been working in the area of suicide prevention through her private practice and the Suicide Crisis Intervention Life Line, which was formed in 1998.

Thursday, May 10

A "Fantastick" summer
The Steamboat Community Players will be holding auditions for the classical musical tale, "The Fantasticks," plus an original piece written by the cast and directed by Matt Murphy for their Summer Theatre Festival.

Two stages, TV monitors, a band and 50 cast members in the Depot will not only make the Arts Council a little dough, Steamboat citizens will be bent over laughing from reiterating lines from "2001: A Cabaret Odyssey" well after the weekend is over.
But looking into the future is a thing of the past.

Developers, neighboring residents, planners and land-use experts all came together Thursday night at a Planning Commission meeting to try to balance the ideas of preserving Elkin's Meadow and allowing it to be developed.

Soroco School District officials are leaning toward keeping Chris Neil as an employee. Neil was convicted of misdemeanor assault Wednesday.
However, if the high school janitor continues working for the district, there will be conditions set in place, said Steven Jones, the district's superintendent.

Strawberry Park, Soda Creek third-graders fare well in tests

Third-grade CSAP scores were sent back to school districts throughout Colorado last week, leaving teachers and students in Steamboat Springs praising their third-grade reading programs.
Overall, third-graders in the Steamboat Springs School District scored above the state average. Strawberry Park Elementary reported a 92 percent average compared to the state's 72 percent average and Soda Creek Elementary scored 79 percent.

Cookbook author and fitness pro feeds kids food they like

Jyl Steinback is a mom who knows how to cook for a family - sloppy joes, pancakes, burritos, home fries and chocolate-marshmallow cupcakes. She's also a personal fitness trainer who makes sure everything she's cooking is healthful.

Taylor thinks growth legislation will pass soon

State Sen. Jack Taylor R-Steamboat Springs is predicting that growth legislation will be passed piece by piece during this month's special session of the Legislature, rather than in the form of one sweeping bill.

With the burgeoning popularity of low-fat, low-cal diets, Dr. Atkins' low-carb theory and several commercial weight-loss programs, Americans seem to be obsessed with shedding those extra pounds for the summer.

Insect causes damage that leads to a tree's deformed growth

White pine weevil is the No. 1 pest of immature Colorado blue spruces in Steamboat Springs. Feeding by the developing insects causes the topmost terminal branch (leader) to suddenly wilt and die in early summer. Upper branches are sometimes also affected. This damage can result in deformed growth.

Wednesday, May 9

Abandoned dogs good example to promote special week

While all the dogs at the Steamboat Springs Animal Shelter yelps and jumps against the chain-link fences of their kennels when someone walks by, a black border collie-chow mix retreats back against the cage as far away from the person as he can get.

Soroco school employee had run-in with students

A Soroco School District janitor pleaded no contest to third-degree assault stemming from an incident that involved four middle school students in February.
Chris Neil, 49, entered the plea to the misdemeanor in a soft voice Wednesday morning in Routt County Judge James Garrecht's courtroom.

The gift of a tree from Susan Bourn's second-grade class may seem unusual, but it is symbolic of how she has helped children mentally grow and excel over her 22-year career as a teacher in the Steamboat Springs School District.

Regular FedEx delivery man continues flying near site

On Tuesday morning, the regular FedEx delivery pilot flew near the site of the crash that took his replacement's life Saturday and tried to focus on doing the job he has been doing for the past two-and-a-half years.

Elected officials in Steamboat Springs were watching closely Tuesday as a bipartisan conference committee of the state Legislature struggled to reach a compromise on growth legislation.
The effort to find middle ground that the Democrat-controlled Senate and the Republican-controlled House could accept, was taking place on the eve of the last day of the legislative session.

Members of the board of First Impressions, child-care providers and business leaders came to City Council Tuesday night to present their case for a half-cent sales tax for child care to be put on the ballot this November.

Steamboat students share a night to remember

As juniors, seniors and a handful of sophomores and freshmen walked into the Sheraton's "Fire and Ice" Grand Ballroom Saturday night, red and yellow decorations symbolized the blazing flames, while a blue and white decor depicted a cold, icy chill in the air.
Of the 340 students that registered for prom, junior class sponsor Lynda Stahl said most stayed until the very end an unusual occurrence.

Travelers to have additional options out of YVRA

Travelers originating their trip at Yampa Valley Regional Airport near Hayden this summer will have an option they've never enjoyed before. But it's early to gauge the full impact of Great Lakes commuter airline's new code sharing arrangement with discount carrier, Frontier, according to one local travel agent.

JFK School of Government recognizes Legacy Ranch

When they're talking about you at Harvard, you know you're doing something right.
The city of Steamboat Springs was recently named a semifinalist in a grants contest administered by the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University for the work the city and a number of public and private organizations did to preserve the Legacy Ranch.

Sunday, May 6

Signs of spring are everywhere. The Yampa Valley is reawakening with new growth and a renewed sense of energy. The great outdoors is beckoning, but before you bolt out the door, you may want to think about what you're trying to gain from your second attempt at your New Year's resolution to "exercise more."

Opening race of running series gets good turnout

Property owners near the Routt National Forest could be at risk of losing their spruce or pine trees from two separate bark beetle epidemics.
Soon, thousands of mountain pine beetles and spruce beetles will come out of their woody winter hibernation and look for mature trees to infest, which can eventually kill the trees. Though it's a natural occurrence in the forest, the insects might not be welcomed by property owners who want to keep their mature spruce or pine trees alive.

Event offers opportunity for networking, strategizing

Summer job hunters ages 14 to 21 will get first crack at positions being offered by 20 different employers Tuesday when the Colorado Workforce Center and Colorado Mountain College host a summer job exploration fair from 5 to 8 p.m. at Bristol Hall on the CMC campus.

Saturday, May 5

Kids get ready for Steamboat's first soap box derby

As people raced around the track outside, running incessant laps for the Spirit Challenge Walkathon, kids ages 9 to 16 in the nearby industrial arts room watched intently, hovered over wooden workbenches that were covered with cars under construction for the Soap Box Derby May 19.

How to save a gem of a mountain?

Emerald Mountain, commonly referred to as the "backdrop" of Steamboat Springs, is facing an uncertain future. The State Land Board, which has control over the land, has determined that selling it would bring about the most money for state coffers. The Emerald Mountain Partnership is trying to raise money to purchase the property to conserve it from development. We asked Ben Beall, who is a member of the partnership, to talk more about the issue.

Steamboat Ski and Resort Corp. executives say Friday's layoffs at the ski area are symptomatic of national trends that could see paid skier days in the United States declining by a percentage point annually for the foreseeable future.

Honoring those who care during Nurses Week

Nurse Alidalee Gingerich stands in the hallway of the Medical/Surgical Unit at Yampa Valley Medical Center and talks with fellow nurse Ann Compton, who is new to the nursing staff at the hospital. There is a serious tone in both the women's voices as they discuss a diagnosis of a patient who is in a room nearby.
"That's way too high of a WBC to be septic," Gingerich says.

1956-2001

Something for Mom

The nurturing affection of a mother's embrace, a simple telephone call saying 'I love you' or her sincere belief that she could not have asked for a better child all give us a reason to show Mom how much we care.
And if you are a mother, you'll know deep down that you're appreciated, and seeing your child grow and attain true happiness is probably the best gift you could ever receive.

Steamboat's girls soccer team scores 6-0 win over Fort Morgan

If Kelly Asbury the Steamboat Sailors soccer team's starting goalie in Saturday's regional playoff game against Fort Morgan had some homework to do over the weekend, she should have brought it to the game.

Companies turning smooth profits with custom-made granite countertops

Of the many categories of successful businesses in Steamboat Springs, there's one that will always be able to say it's as solid as a rock. The use of solid granite slabs in kitchen countertops, wet bars, vanity counters and bath tub surrounds, is a growing trend among the builders of luxury homes and townhomes in Steamboat.

YVMC holds sports partner program
Women who are looking for a little help to stay active can sign up for Sports Buddies at the next Taking Care of Me Program on Osteoporosis, which will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Yampa Valley Medical Center.

I'm a golfer not a very good one in terms of the scorecard, but very, very good in terms of enjoying the game and attempting impossible new skills. Thoroughly humbled, I have given myself 15 years to learn to play golf. I'm just starting year three.

Week warns to be aware of bears
Colorado Governor Bill Owens has proclaimed May 6-12 Bear Awareness Week in the state.
The Colorado Division of Wildlife will spend the week beginning its largest effort ever to inform residents about the state's black bear population and how people can coexist with the state's largest predators.

Steamboat Grand Hotel offers unique share of market

Records at the Routt County Courthouse show American Skiing Co. closed 49 different transactions involving interval ownership at the Steamboat Grand Hotel during the four-month period beginning Jan. 1 and ending April 30.

Blasting caps at site hamper recovery

A FedEx plane piloted by a 44-year-old Wyoming man crashed into a ridge on the south side of Emerald Mountain Saturday morning en route to Steamboat Springs Airport.
Rescue workers found the single-engine plane ripped into pieces, its propeller dug deep into fuel-soaked dirt on a steep ridge. The plane ripped the tops off a stand of aspens by the crash site.

Imagine what it might be like to be a dog. You wake up in the morning to watch your master prepare for work, get let out for about five minutes to do your business and then it's housebound the rest of the day.

With no plans to develop tennis courts on the property this summer, the Steamboat Springs Health and Recreation Association may allow the residents of Trailer Haven to stay on the land for another year.

Event marks 100th anniversary of community colleges

Family, friends, faculty and staff filed into Steamboat Christian Center Friday evening to commemorate the Colorado Mountain College Alpine Campus 2001 graduating class.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of community colleges in the United States.

Seven full-time jobs eliminated

The Steamboat Ski and Resort Corp. announced late Friday afternoon that it had laid off seven full-time, year-round employees including two with the rank of "director."
Company executives said the layoffs were necessary to reduce costs in the face of declining business.

Man convicted on previous drunk driving charge

A Yampa man with a history of drunken driving had to be taken to a hospital after he was allegedly involved in an accident that involved alcohol.
James Francis Bolton, 47, was taken to Yampa Valley Medical Center Tuesday evening after he allegedly lost control of the vehicle he was driving on County Road 14.

Family and friends of Willard Anderson are still waiting to learn why he died April 24 while in the midst of a three-day mountain bike trip.
Willard, the longtime director of the physical plant at the Alpine Campus of Colorado Mountain College in Steamboat Springs would have celebrated his 45th birthday today.

Bake something special for Mother's Day, Sunday, May 13

One night only at the Pub
John Gibbs and The Usual Suspects featuring Mark Eptein of the Johnny Winter Band perform at 9:30 p.m. Friday at the Old Town Pub for one night only. Old Town Pub is located on the corner of Sixth Street and Lincoln Avenue in downtown. No cover, 21 and older only.

Brides and grooms will have to start looking elsewhere for their cover band foursome. Sleeping Giant wants to tuck away some originals under their belt and possibly hit the road with some musical masterpieces.

With Cinco de Mayo on Saturday this year, it's a good excuse to celebrate.
Even if you don't know how to fill a burrito or shake a margarita, pick up "Mexican Cooking for Dummies.'' It's from the Too Hot Tamales (Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken, co-owners of the Border Grill) and Helene Siegel.

Group says it is making progress in curbing deaths

Since 1995, 25 suicides have occurred in Routt County.
But members of a local initiative believe they are making progress in curbing Routt County's suicide rate, which is higher than state and national averages.

Soroco's Adventure Learning Program reaches out to at-risk youths

Thanks to a $2,000 grant from the Yampa Valley Community Foundation, Joe Mauch and his colleagues at Soroco High School in Oak Creek won't have to work the phone tree this fall to locate tents and sleeping bags for students in the Adventure Learning Program.

Wednesday, May 2

About 50 years ago in Routt County, a plant commonly referred to as whitetop traveled to a local ranch in a bale of hay. Now, whitetop is one of the more wide-spread noxious weeds in the county, taking over about 5,500 acres of native plant habitat.

CMC course prepares people to enter law enforcement

Starting on Monday, Colorado Mountain College will once again provide law enforcement training for residents interested in becoming a police officer.
Since 1994, the police academy at the CMC campus has been preparing people to enter the law enforcement field.

Group may propose tax to help save Emerald Mountain

The keepers of Emerald Mountain may try to get the residents of Steamboat Springs and the Steamboat Springs Rural Fire Protection District to pitch in to save the mountain come this November. And though they are aware that they may not be able to save the entire 6,400 acres, they are prepared to try to preserve as much as possible.
According to the Emerald Mountain Partnership, the wooded slopes of the mountain are worth $17.2 million to someone just who that someone is, however, is the central question the partnership is trying to answer.

When Arapahoe High School freshman Megan Tyrie scored a last-minute goal in Monday night's lacrosse game, a wave of excitement was sent across the state.
Arapahoe was excited because the goal tied Denver East and gave the Warriors the top seed in the Metro League.

Donations help pay for sheepskins to comfort patients

When representatives from Hospice of Steamboat came to Amallama in April to buy sheepskins to comfort their terminally ill patients, the owners of the store didn't just think the group should not have to pay for the items. Now the store owners have 55 donation jars waiting to be placed at businesses to help pay for the sheepskins along with other big plans to help out senior citizens in the community.

Communications center finally under command of chief

Two days on the job and Routt County's new communications director is still here, joked the county commissioners as they introduced the woman who will run the 911 center.
Janice Ling, who hails from Florida, will be the fifth communications director in five years.

After waiting more than four months since their Planning Commission hearing, the owners of the Nordic Lodge will have to wait a little longer. City Council, after reviewing issues such as sidewalks and architecture, decided to table the project until June 5 to let city staff and the applicant come to an agreement on a few issues.

Routt County farmers and ranchers won't begin irrigating their hay fields in earnest for another month. But already there are signs they'll need a little more help from precipitation than usual to grow their crop.

Current executive director will soon focus on newborn boy

As the stork prepares to deliver a newborn baby boy to the Goodwin/Morgan family a second time, Amy Goodwin and staff diligently investigate possibilities for the new executive director of Partners in Routt County.

Local parishes holding events for National Day of Prayer Thursday

Residents have until June 1 to challenge assessment

It's that time of the year again. Property owners will be getting their notice of valuations this week in the mail and have until June 1 to challenge or appeal those valuations. Letters must be postmarked by May 29.

Local organizations honor Steamboat's outstanding volunteers

The name Pio Utu not only brings smiles to the faces of many in Steamboat, it also brings warm hearts.
If he wasn't at the soccer game it's because he was coaching sixth-grade intramural sports. And if he wasn't out mentoring a child, it's because he was out giving a hand to another.
This man of many talents does not go unappreciated, but Tuesday night screams of delight belted through Emerald City when Utu received a Volunteer of the Year Award.

Bank's permanent home should be complete by March

First National Bank of Steamboat Springs broke ground on its permanent home at U.S. 40 and Hilltop Parkway this week, and Bank President John Kerst said he hopes his staff can move into the new building by next March.

Routt County is looking for a Web developer who could help redevelop the county's Web site.
"We really don't have someone in-house to maintain it," said Mo Valenta, an analyst with the county's Geographic Information Systems.